Melanie
I'd like to ask you about your "chiseling" technique. I've eaten healthy for many years, following common sense, but I never seem to be able to actually lose weight. I work out 5-6 days a week, alternating running, swimming and biking along with consistant lifting. I don't fluctuate much at all, I maintain very well. I'm training for three Xterra tri races next
year, and I'd like to have the best opportunity to go fast as I can, my
current goal is to lose some unnecessary body fat.

I'm very controlled for breakfast and lunch because I plan and pack it
ahead of time. Getting home from work is the kicker because I eat what
looks good (but nothing terrible like fast food). What was your
motivation to avoid the "fun" stuff like chocolate? What about cravings?

I think that everyone I know says the same things you are saying. It is unfortunately not exercising that determines your % bodyfat, it is almost entirely diet.

If you find you aren't at your ideal weight, I would suggest having your diet analysed by a naturopath. Sometimes it is food allergies that are interfering with _meta_bolism, sometimes it is hidden bad fats you weren't aware of or sometimes it is just plain eating too little or too much to be truly efficient.

All of us struggle in the winter as well. Intensity of training is reduced and most of us drink less water because we would rather drink hot chocolate and curl up on the couch with a book.

I would say drink more water and if you aren't sure if you are eating well (I thought I was and found out I was not) then I would consult a naturopathic physician (not a dietician, naturopaths are better).

Melanie, why is a natrupath better then a nutritionist or a dietician?? what makes them better??

:oops:

I am sorry I misspelled Naturopath, but why are they better then the others?

The reason I like using a naturopathic doctor is instead of approaching food just from a limited perspective of "diet", a naturopath will suggest ways of improving "health" in a more holistic way. Analysing your diet and how you react to certain foods is important as often people have food allergies which might cause disease or at the very least, cause problems which impair recovery.

A naturopathic doctor can often replace your MD for most of your healthcare. Treatment with a naturopath often includes a non-medicated approach, which is always good. And, at the very least, a naturopath has a much broader _base_ of knowledge which is always helpful when you are going to this person to ask for help in how to fuel your training better.

But that is only my opinion and in my experience. I am sure there are lots of excellent dieticians and nutritionists. I have found a naturopath in Victoria who works for me. What works for you is what is most important.